Monday, December 07, 2009Last Update: 1:42 PM PT

LaRouche PAC Is a Nuisance, Store Says

By ELIZABETH BANICKI

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (CN) - Members of the Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee trespassed and created a nuisance at Stater Bros. Markets in Southern California by displaying banners with the slogans "Act Now to Stop Obama's Nazi Healthcare Policy," and "Cut the mustache, not the healthcare," next to pictures of Obama with a Hitler mustache, the supermarket chain says in Superior Court. Stater claims LaRouche representatives have "handed out their literature regarding the 'Obama Nazi Healthplan,' peddled the books and magazines, and aggressively confronted Stater customers to promote their viewpoint." The store claims it does not allow anyone on its property to display anything containing "fighting words, obscenities, grisly or gruesome displays, or highly inflammatory slogans likely to provoke disturbance." The market chain says it's concerned that the activists will continue to offend and drive away loyal customers, as it has already received hundreds of complaints from customers who believe Stater endorses the LaRouche views. The activists have refused to leave Stater's property when asked and the police say they cannot remove them without a court order, according to the complaint. The stores that have had problems are in Los Angeles and San Bernardino and Orange counties. Trader Joe's filed a similar suit against LaRouche's committee in early September. Stater seeks a restraining order, declaratory relief, an injunction, damages and court costs for trespass and private nuisance. It is represented by Brendan Brandt of Varner & Brandt in Riverside, Calif.